Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Robe Blu-ray Review

The Robe Blu-ray Review

Written by Loys JohnsonDisc Size: 45.3 GB

Film Size: 31.9 GBFilm Rating: Not RatedRegion: A

Video

The Robe comes to Blu-ray with a 1080p AVC/MPEG-4 video presentation. Wow, I knew it had to be good, but I didn't expect it to look this good. Yes the film still has a few flaws which come with CinemaScope and lighting, but the film has never looked better. This was the first film to be released theatrically in CinemaScope, and can only imagine how amazing it would have been to witness seeing it at the time. That being said, Blu-ray is here, and The Robe is here. There is so much more clarity and detail that comes with the Blu-ray release, and it is very hard to believe this film was released in 1953.

Fans of the film are in for one of the biggest high-def treats when it comes to upgrade. Certain scenes in the film are a bit blurry, but came with the use of CinemaScope and technology at the time. Colors are rich and vibrant, and detail was very impressive as well. You haven't seen the Robe until you have seen it on Blu-ray! 9/10.

Audio

Fox has included a 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track which is about as good as one could expect from the film. This is a front-heavy experience, and clear as can be from beginning to end. The film's score is very impressive, and features nice depth. While dialogue stays front and center, clear and crisp. The track is very good considering the film's age, and fan should be very pleased. 7/10.

Extras

Commentary with Film Composer David Newman and Film Historians Jon Burlingame, Julie Kirgo, and Nick Redman

The Music Of The Robe: Alfred Newman's ScoreListen to the film's score during the film without dialogue, a great feature for those who really enjoy the music in the film.

Introduction by Martin Scorsese (1:20) (HD)We get a quick introduction to the film from the fantastic Martin Scorsese. He talks about how his first viewing of The Robe has always stayed with him, as well as a quick summary of the restoration process about to be seen.

The Making Of The Robe (31:23) (HD)Film experts and historians explain everything that went into making The Robe. From budget to sets, to actors. The feature is very in-depth, and goes from pre-production to premiere. There are many still images featured that go behind-the-scenes of the film included.

The CinemaScope Story (18:39) (HD)CinemaScope is explained by experts, and Fox's risk with CinemaScope is explained. It basically explains the history of Cinerama, from idea to finalized product. They also talk about the benefits and downfalls that came with CinemaScope, explaining why certain things in The Robe look the way that they do.

From Scripture To Script: The Bible and Hollywood (24:39) (HD)The title explains it all, the process taken in taking a story and turning it into a film, particularly a Bible story.

Audio Interview With Screenwriter Philip Dunne (22:22) (1969)A 1969 audio interview with the screenwriter, featuring a background image of Philip Dunne. The interview is quite in depth, and definitely interesting for fans.

BONUSView:The Robe Times (Picture-in-Picture)A Comparisons Of Widescreen and Standard versions. The Picture-in-Picture track makes for a great comparison, and it goes on throughout the film. You get to see the amount of picture lost in the standard version while viewing the film in widescreen.

Advertising The RobeVintage Celebrity Introductions (1:35) (SD)Movietone News:CinemaScope Hailed By Public And Press (1:02) (SD)Broadway Hails The Robe In Cinemascope (1:37) (SD)The Robe (Christian Herald Award) (1:41) (SD)Millionth Patron Sees The Robe (:34) (SD)CinemaScope And The Robe Win Oscars (1:08) (SD)Trailers And TV Spots:Trailer 1 (2:04) (SD)Trailer 2 (2:29) (SD)Interactive PressbookPoster GalleryLobby CardsPublicity StillsWe get a bunch of different advertisements and still images that were used to advertise the film, as well as just publicity the film got from awards to the CinemaScope feature.

Blu-news Summary

The Robe is a classic, and a spectacle especially for it's time. I have to say the film holds up quite well, but not perfect. I found the film very interesting, despite a few parts where it did drag on. The film also features a great cast, and has a lot to love and respect.

The Blu-ray release is nothing short of stunning all things considered, and packs a very nice amount of extras as well. The Robe on Blu-ray is a 'Must Own For Fans', and one that all fans of high-def should 'At Least Give A Rent.'

2 comments:

Man that looks really good. Danielle just started on here review of it. I'll have to get around to watching that. FOX showed it to us last year on a trip to the Studio. I didn't expect it to turn out looking as good as it does in those screens.